Description
It’s For You is a double disc live album by the American singer and songwriter Michael Roe of The Seventy Sevens fame, independently released on Fools of the World in 2000, distributed by M8 distribution. The 2CD set features recordings from a 1997 tour and it’s a mix of acoustic and electric performances (electric guitar, at least) – also featuring David Leonhardt (guitar) and Mark Harmon (bass) from the 77’s, as well as Brian Meyers on percussion. Leonhardt also plays keyboards on one song (“This is the Way Love Is”).
Stylistically, this set is in the vein of the “MTV Unplugged” stuff; where it’s mostly acoustic numbers, but the occasional electric tune is performed at a lesser volume. The album includes a wide variety of both Michael Roe and 77’s material, as well as some rare gems and a few oddballs. A total of 11 songs come from the 77’s albums, Drowning With Land in Sight and Sticks and Stones, and 5 songs come from Roe’s solo album Safe as Milk. You also get a cool version of “King of the Road,” a Hank Williams cover (“Beyond the Sunset”), an alternative version of “I Walk the Line” (the lyrics have been changed) and even a gospel selection (“Men Are So Busy”). And there’s a great version of “UUUU” as well (from More Miserable Than You’ll Ever Be).
At various points in their careers the Rolling Stones have claimed the title, “The Worlds Greatest Rock ‘n Roll Band” and Petra has called themselves ” The Greatest Christian Rock Band In The Universe.” Obviously, both groups are unfamiliar with the work of “The True King of Rock ‘n Roll”, his majesty Mike Roe and his band The 77s. With the release of It’s For You, all speculation of who the true title holder is should be put to rest. Anyone who has ever heard Mike and or the 77s in concert already knows how great they are. Recorded in the fall of ’97, this collection presents Mike at his very best. Supported on the tour by David Leonhardt on guitar and vocals, Mark Harmon on bass and vocals and Brian Meyers on percussion this collection is a must have for every fan and a great introduction for the uninitiated.
The songs on the disc cover much of Mike’s career up to that point from both his band and solo catalogue, although nothing is included from the Lost Dogs. At one point on the album an audience member, it was me by the way, requested «Close But No Cigar». At this point Mike tells us all of how shamefully he was treated by the other Dogs on the tour and how he just can’t do that song anymore. Did I mention that the entire tour from which this album was recorded was an all request tour. Hence the name of the tour and disc, It’s For You. The interaction between Mike and his fans is what made this such a great evening of music. I drove four hours each way for the concert and would do it again in a heartbeat. It was a night of sheer musical magic which can now be shared by those who missed the tour.
Besides songs of his own, Mike also covered tunes by Roger Miller, Luke the drifter, Charlie Chaplin, Leadbelly and Barry McGuire. Who is Luke the drifter, you ask? Well buy the album and find out. Mike has one of the best voices around and shows it off in various ways such as the tenderness of «Ache Beautiful» or the raw energy of «Cold Cold Night». The band was tight and I have been waiting since this tour for a copy of Mike’s version of «I Walk the Line» to come out. I am one happy camper!!! To say there is a best tune on this collection is impossible, they’re all great. [Chris MacIntosh, The Phantom Tollbooth, July 2001]
2CD tracklist:
Disc One
1-01. Mike’s Ad For Himself
1-02. Smokescreen
1-03. MT
1-04. It’s For You
1-05. Nobody’s Fault But Mine
1-06. Cold Cold Night
1-07. King Of The Road
1-08. Men Are So Busy
1-09. Beyond The Sunset
1-10. Limelight
1-11. Mezzo
1-12. The Jig Is Up
1-13. For Crying Out Loud
1-14. UUUU
1-15. Snake
1-16. I Walk The Line
Disc Two
2-01. This Is The Way Love Is
2-02. Perfect Blues
2-03. Nuts For You
2-04. John Lee’s Blues
2-05. Self Made Trap
2-06. Sneakers
2-07. Go With God But Go
2-08. Love Like Gold
2-09. I Need God
2-10a. Eve Of Destruction
2-10b. The Lust, The Flesh, The Eyes & The Pride Of Life
2-11. Do It For Love
2-12. Ache Beautiful
2-13. Smokescreen (Slight Return)
2-14. Goodnight Irene
Note: Available at Bandcamp: https://michaelroe.bandcamp.com/album/its-for-you-live
Michael Roe, Live in Fort Worth, TX, on 11/2/1997 as part of the It’s For You Tour.
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